Discover the real East London

One of the best ways to avoid tourist traps and discover the real East London is through one of the many markets East London has to offer. Historically, markets played a crucial role in fostering community culture amongst Londoners. Wander through one of these vibrant markets, and you’ll find delicious affordable foods, local characters, unique items, and plenty of bargains.

Here are some of our top picks:

Old Spitalfields Market

Old Spitalfields Market goes back 350 years and is the ideal reflection of East London's melting pot of artistic and creative folk. Shop for small indie brands as well as small and large traders and find anything from clothing, jewellery, and cooking apparel to all types of artisan cheeses, speciality coffees and delightful sweets. The market is also a local hub where you can take cooking classes, join in family-friendly activities, or relax with a yoga lesson.

Broadway Market

Broadway Market is a working Victorian market that's buzzing on a weekend with trendy hipsters, young family makers and cool kids. You can find quality products, vintage clothing and homemade organic and vegan foodie treats and some of the best artisan coffee in town.

Brick Lane Market

Brick Lane Market is chaotic and bustling with street performance artists, vintage clothing, and kitsch collectables. It is the perfect place to combine the best curries in town with street art and have a rummage for a variety of products from antique books to chocolate, and leather goods to stunning silks. Right alongside this market is also The Old Truman Brewery which hosts a massive indoor food market with affordable food options from all over the world. Whilst you’re here, don’t forget to try the infamous salt beef bagel.

Columbia Road

Columbia Road's Sunday market transforms an urban street filled with independent shops and art galleries into a green oasis where you can grab every succulent imaginable as well as bedding plants and 10-foot banana trees. The air is filled with the intense scent of flowers and the sounds of stall holders hollering 'everythin' a fiver'. Check out our location page,  where UEL student Uma explores Columbia Road Market.

Walthamstow Market

Walthamstow Market is a whole kilometre long and you can find all types of fruit and veg on a weekday sold by lively local stall holders and pick up a variety of East End classics in the adjacent restaurants from Caribbean fare (the tastiest Ackee and Saltfish in London) to one of east London’s most traditional meals, pie and mash and jellied eels. On a Sunday you can find the farmers' market here and buy a variety of organic eggs, fresh juices, artisanal cheeses, and homemade bread.

Ridley Road Market

Ridley Road Market is one of the most vibrant in east London. Expect to be greeted by melodic sounds of reggae music mixed in with the calls from market stall traders 'three for a pound'. A beautiful blend of cultures, flavours and colours can be found here; from plantain to miniature aubergines and giant African snails to yam. Check out our location page, where UEL student Saiful explores Ridley Road Market.